"The media's prying eyes through telescopic lenses invaded a private function organised by a club to preserve the privacy of these players at a time when everyone knew what they were going to be doing" Elias Tabchouri said.

"These are young men who are letting their hair down in simple circumstances that had been organised by the club and it should never have ever come to where it has come to today."

"Are you trying to suggest to me that locker room behaviour is somehow a crime?"

Asipeli Fine of the Bulldogs gets sin binned during the Round 6 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at 1300SMILES Stadium in Townsville, Saturday, April 14, 2018. (AAP)Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs player Adam Elliott leaves after a first mention at Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney, Wednesday, October 24, 2018. (9News)

Mr Tabchouri said his client was now a free agent and he was unsure what the saga would cost him.

"It's difficult, look at the scrutiny, look at the scrutiny that's placed on these young men in relation to these matters."

Despite the criticism of the photographer, the players have few options with the charge centred on the possibility they could be seen by a member of the public.

That's a point which has been reiterated by the Daily Telegraph.

"The celebrations were in a public place and could be seen from the street, which is where The Daily Telegraph's photographer was standing when the images were taken," editor Ben English said in a statement.

"The actions taken by the club, the NRL and the police speak for themselves."